Miniature Lupine or Sky Lupine?

These blue lupines are small annuals, typically about 1 foot tall. They have a white banner spot that turns magenta with age. They often cover grassy fields in blue color.

Miniature Lupine(Lupinus bicolor)

Photo by Steve Matson

Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus)

Photo by Barry Breckling

However, a closer look at these plants shows some differences:

Miniature Lupine(Lupinus bicolor)

Photo by Barry Brecklilng

Miniature Lupine flower clusters are about 3” tall.

Their color range tends to be paler.

Sky Lupine (Lupinus nanus)

Photo by Steve Matson

Sky Lupine flower clusters are about 6” tall, and sometimes up to 8”.

Their color range tends to be darker.

Photo by Frank Rose

Miniature Lupine leaflets are quite narrow.

Sky Lupine leaflets have a more typical relationship between width and length.

The Banner shape is typical for lupines – taller than wide.

Sky Lupine has a particularly wide banner.

Have fun figuring these out on the trail!

Corrections/Comments: bruce@PlantID.net